"We understand these reductions will deeply impact thousands in our communities," said Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, Pierce Transit board chair. "This was a difficult decision. Reducing service in September allows our riders time to make plans in advance and the agency to provide stable service."

Pierce Transit currently operates 417,000 annual service hours. The revised service plan, with the September implementation, will reduce annual service hours to approximately 275,000. The plan will be made available for riders and the public to review on the agency website shortly. Pierce Transit will distribute information through print materials, open houses, and presentations.

The agency will also provide information in the coming days regarding agency outreach efforts, and hold a public hearing on the implementation plan in May, 2013.

Elements of the reduction plan include elimination of Saturday, Sunday, and holiday service and route 62 in northeast Tacoma. Primary impacts to weekday service include reductions in service past 7:00 pm and mid-day service (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).

The campaign is similar to the one developed for subways, with the focus on reminding passengers that avoiding certain behaviors can ensure a faster and more pleasant ride for everyone. Reminders include step aside to let others off first; remove your backpack; and don’t clip your nails on the bus.

While Founder Matt George is interested in connecting Capitol Hill, K Street and Dupont Circle, it’s not yet clear if those will be the neighborhoods Bridj starts with. The start-up is encouraging interested customers to request specific routes on its website

Des Moines Area Regional Transit's 60-foot low floor articulated buses will replace high-floor buses and include newly installed ramps, remanufactured power trains, transmissions, engines and brakes. It will also be equipped with two ADA compliant wheelchair lifts.